Early in every spring training, Rays pitching coaches meet individually with each of their pitchers to discuss strengths, weaknesses and a plan for the season. Every year, they’ve had the same message for lefty David Price: Focus on fastball command.

There was a difference when Price had his meeting last week, though.

David Price is coming off a year in which he led the AL in wins, winning percentage and ERA. (AP Photo)

“For the first time, I heard good job with fastball location,” Price said Sunday. “Not that I’ve struggled with it that much in the past but last year, I did it really well.”

The difference indeed was subtle. Price’s walks rate was identical to 2011, at 2.5 per nine innings. So was his strikeout rate, at 8.7. He allowed just slightly fewer hits, at 7.4 per nine from 7.7 per nine innings.

So what was the key to his winning the Cy Young Award after a so-so 2011?

The hits he allowed didn’t do as much damage last year. In 2011, 36 percent of the hits Price allowed went for extra bases. Last year: 22 percent.

That happens when you keep the ball down. Instead of doubles to the gap, Price was giving up usually harmless ground-ball singles. While he’s still a power pitcher, he’s also become a ground-ball pitcher. He ranked fifth in the American League with a 66 percent groundball percentage. In 2011, he was 26th (56 percent) when he gave up far more flies.

The outcome: a 20-5 record, 2.56 ERA and his first Cy Young trophy. Oh yes, Price also earned a $5.8 million raise when he agreed to a $10.1 million salary, which figures to rise steadily and sooner or later make him too expensive for the small-budget Rays.

Even though Price isn’t eligible to become a free agent for three more seasons, he will command so much in arbitration than the Rays could be forced to trade him.

Wherever he pitches, Price, 27, figures to have many more seasons at the Cy Young level. His velocity actually ticked up to a career-best 95.5 mph last year and a smooth delivery has helped him avoid the disabled list for his first five big-league seasons.

“I see no downside to this scout,” said a scout. “He’s athletic, throws with an easy motion and he has very good command.”